Ri$k Happens: Falling for it

Jan. 10, 2021 - By Angela Cady, AIC - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

Gerald entered the rental store with hopes of renting a trailer and a large mower. His grandson was coming from out of town to help him clean up some of his property that weekend. Gerald wanted the mower to be ready. Gerald had recently sprained his ankle and was in a walking boot. He was not quite used to it yet and dragged that foot a bit. He shuffled into the store.

Gerald looked around for a store employee to help him. While his eyes were occupied in this pursuit, his foot caught a corner of a rug that had gotten folded back at some point in the day. He fell to the floor catching himself with his hands and knees. At first, Gerald thought he was OK, just embarrassed. He turned away the store employee’s offer of assistance. A few hours later, his knees and back started to hurt, and he had to seek treatment. He ended up requesting an insurance claim be opened with the rental store’s carrier. The matter is under investigation.

Not every fall can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to reduce their frequency. Trips and falls can happen due to wrinkled carpeting, worn rugs, uncovered cables, obstructed views, poor lighting, clutter, uneven walking surfaces, wet, icy or oily surfaces, lose or unanchored rugs, and other hazards. Inspect your store and property often for any potential hazards and make any needed corrections.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Kansas City, Mo., contains real-life insurance claims involving rental stores and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.

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